The Louvre :: Essays Papers

The Louvre T h e A r t M u s e u m s of P a r i s Paris is renowned worldwide for its art museums. There are so many, each with its own unique pieces of art, this report will only cover two of Paris’ most famous museums. Which are of course The Louvre and Museum d’Orsay. The Louvre History The Louvre was originally built in 1190 AD as a fortress for protection to the city of Paris during the Crusades. It was a fortress for nearly 500 years until it became an elegant palace. By the 1400’s France’s Royalty gathered at The Louvre to enjoy banquets and tournaments. Elaborate gardens were added along with an aviary and many wild, exotic animals. In 1415 France was captured by the British and The Louvre was ravaged by vandals. It fell into disrepair and was left unoccupied for nearly 150 years. This is when Francis the first tore down the original structure and erected an exquisite and prosperous palace. Every king since then on added an addition to The Louvre. It also served as their home until the French Revolution of 1789. The Louvre officially became a museum in 1793. The government opened it to the public which no longer meant art was only available to the upper-class. All through the previous centuries the government had collected priceless pieces of art and now displayed them in The Louvre. The collection was growing so big that more buildings had to be built to display the great and precious collection that was accumulated over so many years. This period was known as â€Å"The Restoration† as Napoleon established remodeling of the interior and exterior of the Louvre and eliminated all the shops that filled the Louvre from the 18th century. The Louvre Today Today The Louvre is one the World’s most famous Art Museums. It houses many famous masterpieces such as: The Mona Lisa Winged Victory of Samothrace Venus De Milo The Seated Scribe